Professor Tamara Caspary Appointed LGS Associate Dean for Strategic Projects

The Laney Graduate School is pleased to announce the appointment of Tamara Caspary, PhD, professor of human genetics at the Emory University School of Medicine, as the new Associate Dean for Strategic Projects, effective February 10, 2025. A renowned scientist, educator, and leader, Caspary brings decades of experience in research, graduate training, and program leadership to this important role.

As Associate Dean for Strategic Projects, Caspary will work closely with senior administrators to advance key priorities outlined in the LGS strategic framework. Her portfolio will center on strengthening interdisciplinary collaboration across the humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences—an area she has long championed through her work with graduate students and faculty. In partnership with the LGS community, she will help shape initiatives that foster cross-disciplinary engagement and support a more connected academic environment for all graduate scholars.

A major component of Caspary’s new role will be developing a comprehensive and sustainable grant-writing program for LGS students. To prepare students for competitive funding opportunities across federal agencies and private foundations, she will assess the current landscape of grant-writing support, identify gaps—particularly in fields where such resources are limited—and establish a structure that meets the diverse needs of graduate scholars. This initiative will play a pivotal role in equipping students with the skills and tools required to secure external funding for their research.

Caspary will continue her work as an active faculty member, researcher, and mentor alongside her new administrative responsibilities. Her career reflects a deep commitment to both scientific discovery and graduate education. She earned her PhD in molecular biology from Princeton University, where she developed a passion for fundamental science and mouse genetics. During her postdoctoral fellowship at the Sloan Kettering Institute, she made groundbreaking contributions to the study of the primary cilium, advancing scientific understanding of its essential role in cell communication.

Her leadership extends across multiple facets of Emory’s research and training ecosystem. Caspary directs the NIH-funded Genetics Predoctoral Training Program (GPTP), which brings together students from 14 departments across three schools—an effort that exemplifies the interdisciplinary collaboration she will now champion at the school-wide level. She also serves on advisory boards for several NIH-funded training programs and holds the position of scientific director of the Emory Mouse Gene Targeting and Transgenic Core, further demonstrating her commitment to nurturing research excellence across campus.

Caspary’s dedication to graduate education is equally evident in her service to Laney Graduate School’s faculty governance. She previously served as chair of the LGS Executive Council and is now completing her term on the council. Her experience working closely with faculty leaders will be invaluable as she builds partnerships and guides strategic initiatives in her new role.

With her extensive scientific experience, deep institutional knowledge, and steadfast commitment to student success, Caspary is uniquely positioned to help advance the mission and long-term goals of the Laney Graduate School. The LGS community warmly welcomes her to this new leadership role and looks forward to the impact of her vision and expertise in the years ahead.